Tigers chief wants side to go out with a bang on Sunday

Kevin Jolly has challenged the Mildenhall Fen Tigers to end a disappointing season on a winning note by dishing out a beating to the Buxton Hitmen.

The Fen Tigers will complete what has been a frustrating National League campaign on Sunday (3.30pm) with a visit from the Derbyshire outfit eager to avenge the 47-43 defeat they suffered the last two times the teams met at the Hi-Edge Raceway back in May.

Having secured the necessary points to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon with a 46-44 win over the Rye House Raiders last time out, the Fen Tigers promoter wants to see his side push on and claim maximum points for a mid-table finish.

“I have been saying all year that the boys have the potential so I want to see them give out a real hammering to the Buxton Hitmen, “ said Jolly.

“We have got the track where the riders want it and the last few meetings have been fantastic. Connor Coles is back on it, while Tom Bacon keeps coming out and beating these big heat leaders.

“They seem to have a secret weapon in this Jack Parkinson-Blackburn, so it won’t be easy. As far as I am concerned the boys are up for getting the win and it would be great if we could leapfrog both Buxton and King’s Lynn and finish mid-table.”

Reflecting on a season which has failed to live up to expectations Jolly said: “I had it in my heart of hearts that we had the potential to be in the top four and I have to take some of that responsibility why we didn’t get there.

“I gave Liam Rumsey another chance at the start of the season but it was clear that he didn’t want to be a speedway rider and that was a bad move, while I probably also asked a bit too much of our youngsters.

Although there have been few positive aspects in a season which promised much, Jolly believes there are a couple of plus points.

“Beating Cradley at home was good while the victory at home to Eastbourne was probably the one which showed we can beat anybody at home,” he said. “We looked to have discovered some talented young riders that are progressing all the time. However we have not been hungry enough at times. Quite simply we have fallen short and that is down to a number of things.”

n Meanwhile, defending champion Dan Halsey and Connor Mountain will represent Mildenhall Fen Tigers in the National Riders Championship at Rye House on Saturday.